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Funding housing isbad risk for taxpayers
Re: “Cortese calls for housing support” (Page A1, May 20).
If the state of California uses our credit to insure billions of dollars of construction and permanent loans for multifamily housing, taxpayers could end up paying billions more in taxes to cover future losses.
These projects present extreme risks that rational private underwriters are apparently not willing to assume. Projects that are too risky for private insurers are probably too risky for ordinary taxpayers. Extreme losses in the California “FAIR” plan for high-risk fire insurance will now be paid, in part, by people living all over the state, including in low-risk areas.
It is not fair to keep making ordinary citizens subsidize the profits of large developers. High-risk pools should pay the real costs of their projects by themselves. Privatizing profits while socializing losses is wrong. Wealthy developers and private equity can afford the risks. Let the wealthy investors and developers create their own risk pool.
David LermanBerkeley
Letter ignores plightof low-income people
Re: “With apartments empty, ‘housing crisis’ a sham” (Page A6, May 20).
I thought at first that Mark Fernwood’s letter about the lack of housing was a hilarious joke. Then, the punchline fails to materialize, and I realized that this person seems intentionally to ignore the economic realities of renting when one has a low income.
People have structural problems in their finances, just like cities. A needy car, unpaid sick time from work and a low-paying job block the accrual of the $4,000-$6,000 in cash for first month plus damage deposit. Some late payments or write-offs because the money goes to emergencies, and there goes the credit score. Having a bad credit score is a seven-year sentence to rent only run-down, old and privately owned housing.
Landlords argue the need to protect their assets. People who are underemployed and unlucky are penalized by the insurmountable requirements needed to sign a lease.
Chris BrownOakland
Glover blazed trailfor Black supervisors
Re: “Federal Glover remembered for his love of public service” (Page A1, May 20).
I am sad to learn about the passing of Supervisor Federal Glover. He was a dear friend and mentor. Federal was a charter member of the Black Elected County Supervisors Affinity Committee (BECSAC). As founding chair, I regularly sought his guidance. He taught me that Black supervisors must strongly advocate for ourselves and our constituencies.
Federal’s legacy as a trailblazer cannot be overstated. He made history as the first African American elected to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in its 174 years and proudly represented District 5 for 24 years. Federal paved the way for me and other Black county supervisors.
Federal was a powerful voice who served with integrity, earning him the trust of voters. My heart is heavy. I will sincerely miss my friend, Federal. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and family.
Wanda WilliamsSolano County supervisor, Suisun City
Youth funding wouldhelp kids and Oakland
Cutting millions in funding for community organizations will only hurt Oakland — now and in the future. Mayor Barbara Lee must prioritize restoring funding to the youth programs that make Oakland a stronger, healthier place for everyone.
I was born and raised here. I was expected to be dead by 17, but instead I’ve spent longer than my life expectancy as a professional quarterback. I came back and founded Family First Foundation to help build up the youth who represent our future.
But cutting funding to programs like mine risks hurting the kids who rely on them and, in turn, hurting Oakland. Studies and experience show that youth in these programs are less likely to be violent or get arrested and more likely to succeed in school and graduate.
These are outcomes that we all want. So we must prioritize supporting the programs that get us there.
Josh JohnsonOakland
Inflation puts focuson wasting food
Re: “Menu prices getting harder to swallow” (Page A1, May 21).
I write this letter out of concern for food waste in our communities. As prices rise, we should be mindful of how we utilize every resource. Food is one of the most essential resources for humanity, yet it is wasted and thrown away constantly in our country. According to the USDA, over one-third of our food supply goes to waste from uneaten food in family homes, excess food used in food service, and lack of storage on farms.
We hold the right to alert the government that we care about food waste and getting food on the table for the people. There is no reason why restaurants are throwing out $25 billion worth of food. Pressure on the food service industry to address food waste should be considered heavily, especially as food prices rise.
Mary Hannah Camille CapistranoPittsburg
Intransigent Palestiniansresponsible for war
Re: “Citizen pressure could alter U.S. policy on Israel” (Page A6, May 20).
Elizabeth Martinson wrote that she is glad hard questions are being asked about Israel. So typical she doesn’t mention the remaining hostages, the Oct. 7 attacks or the many times the Palestinians have been offered their own country and said no.
This could end tomorrow if Iran and Qatar simply stopped supporting Hamas and if we didn’t have a corrupt U.S. government accepting gifts from Israel-hating nations.
Paul RichardsSan Ramon